Spain's residency landscape underwent its most significant transformation in over a decade during 2024 and 2025. From the controversial end of the Golden Visa program to sweeping reforms in immigration regulations, these changes affect everyone from property investors to digital nomads, retirees to entrepreneurs.
Whether you're planning to move to Spain or already navigating the immigration system, understanding these new rules is essential. This comprehensive guide breaks down every major change and what it means for your residency plans.
The end of Spain's Golden Visa program
On April 3, 2025, Spain officially closed one of Europe's most popular investment-based residency programs. Organic Law 1/2025, published on January 3, 2025, terminated the granting of new Golden Visas to non-EU foreigners who purchase property worth EUR 500K or more.
The decision came after growing political pressure. The Spanish government cited housing speculation and soaring property prices in cities like Barcelona and Madrid as primary reasons. Local residents increasingly found themselves priced out of their own neighborhoods, with Golden Visa investors contributing to the real estate pressure.
What happens to existing Golden Visa holders
If you already hold a Golden Visa, your permit remains valid. However, renewals are no longer guaranteed under the old framework and will face stricter scrutiny. Anyone who submitted applications before April 3, 2025, can still obtain Spanish residency under the previous rules.
For new investors and property buyers, the landscape has fundamentally changed. Purchasing Spanish real estate no longer provides a pathway to residency, though foreign nationals retain the same property ownership rights as Spanish citizens.
Major immigration regulation reforms
Beyond the Golden Visa closure, Spain introduced comprehensive immigration reforms through Royal Decree 1155/2024, which came into effect on May 20, 2025. These changes represent the most significant overhaul of Spain's immigration system in years.
Work permit duration changes
Initial non-EU work permits are now standardized at one year validity, replacing the previous inconsistent terms that sometimes lasted only six months. Upon renewal, permits extend for four years instead of the previous two-year extensions. This change provides greater stability for foreign workers and their employers.
Expanded family reunification rights
The new regulations significantly broaden family reunification options. Children of permit holders can now be included in residency applications up to age 26, as long as they remain financially dependent. Previously, only minor children qualified.
Perhaps most notably, unmarried partners can now join family members in Spain more easily, without requiring legal marriage or formal registration. The relationship must be proven through documentation, but this opens residency to many couples previously excluded from family reunification.
Adult children with health conditions can continue to be included in their parents' applications, while close relatives like parents now have clearer pathways to join family members holding work permits in Spain.
Student work rights expansion
Students on Spanish visas may now work up to 30 hours weekly, a significant increase that helps offset living costs. Permit holders may also engage in limited self-employment, providing greater financial flexibility during studies.
New job-seeking visa
Spain is creating a job-seeking visa that can be requested from the applicant's country of origin. This allows foreigners to come to Spain and look for work for six months before transitioning to a regular work permit. This change addresses a previous catch-22 where employers wanted workers in Spain, but workers needed job offers to get visas.
Digital Nomad Visa: Spain's remote work solution
Introduced under the Startup Law (Ley 28/2022) of December 21, 2022, which amended the Entrepreneurs Law (Ley 14/2013), the Digital Nomad Visa has become Spain's answer to the global remote work revolution.
Income requirements
To qualify, you must demonstrate income of at least 200% of Spain's minimum wage (SMI), which equals approximately EUR 3K per month as of 2025. This must be net income credited to a bank account after taxes, fees, and commissions.
Adding family members increases the requirement proportionally. The first additional family member requires an extra 75% of SMI (approximately EUR 1K per month). Each subsequent member requires an additional 25%.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a recognized university, college, or business school, or demonstrate at least three years of work experience in their current field of activity.
Work restrictions and flexibility
Unlike many other digital nomad programs, Spain's version allows up to 20% of a freelancer's income to come from Spanish clients. This flexibility makes the visa practical for freelancers who may occasionally work with local companies.
Digital nomads employed under labor contracts may only work for companies located outside Spain. Both employees (under employment contracts) and independent contractors (under service agreements) qualify.
Visa duration
The visa is valid for up to one year if applied for from outside Spain, or up to three years if applied for within Spain while on a tourist visa. Renewals are granted in two-year increments. Applications are processed within 20 business days.
Entrepreneur and Startup Law changes
Spain's entrepreneur visa under Law 14/2013 received key updates in 2025, making the country more attractive for innovative business founders.
Extended initial permit duration
The initial entrepreneur visa is now valid for three years, up from previous shorter terms. This extended timeline gives startups the stability needed to build their businesses without worrying about imminent renewal deadlines.
